Andy hails squad depth

Andy Frampton believes the Dons have built up a team spirit recently that can really push their pursuit for success this season.

The experienced defender recently returned to Wimbledon’s squad after a lengthy spell out with an ankle injury and his first appearance back was the win at Milton Keynes in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Having been a part of a Gillingham side that won League 2 in 2013, Frampton (pictured) knows exactly what is required to challenge.

“Team spirit plays a major part in every successful team that I’ve played in,” said Frampton. “I’m sure it will not be any different here. There’s a long way to go in the season with plenty of ups and downs to come, but the togetherness we’ve got will hold us in good stead. The atmosphere in the changing room after Milton Keynes was unbelievable. This brings players closer together and it was really special.

“No disrespect to last season’s group, but the players we have in this squad who can come in and fill a void are of a higher calibre. The players the manager has brought in make us a very competitive squad, not just with our starting 11, and I think that’s very important. We did not start with Bayo Akinfenwa, Sean Rigg and Matt Tubbs at Milton Keynes, but we still showed plenty going forward and when those three came on it was extremely exciting.”

Frampton made a late substitute appearance in the 3-2 win against Bury – his first League appearance of the season – and he’s relieved to be back in the squad. The centre-back suffered a setback in his recuperation from a broken ankle two weeks ago when he went over on it again during a walk to the training ground.

“I did fear the worst when I did that,” added Frampton. “It set me back, but thankfully it settled down and I was quickly able to start training again. I was certainly relieved too. I’m gradually getting there now. It’s taken longer than I expected and it was a bit frustrating. That’s why it was a major step for me to be back involved.”